The two vice-presidential candidates faced some tough questions on the hustings circuit this week.

In Tullamore, Thomas Cooney was challenged by former grain chair Liam Dunne on claiming credit for resolving the threat of tractor testing. Dunne said Cooney had a “peripheral involvement”.

Cooney rejected this citing meetings with then Minister for Transport Shane Ross.

A picture was later posted online showing Cooney alongside Minister Ross captioned “the camera never lies”.

In Carrick-on-Shannon, Brian Rushe similarly saw off what he perceived as a loaded question about retailers. Rushe’s father and brother are in retail. Rushe said: “I earn 100% of my income from farming, supported by my wife, a nurse, who I am also proud of.”

He clarified that his only directorship is of his farm.